Introduction
Breast prosthesis capsular contracture is a common complication after breast implant surgery. It can cause discomfort, pain, and a change in the appearance of the breasts. In New York City, there are numerous hospitals and medical professionals specializing in treating this condition. This article will explore the ranking list of hospitals for repairing breast prosthesis capsular contracture in New York City, provide in - depth information about the condition, and offer guidance for patients seeking treatment.
Understanding Breast Prosthesis Capsular Contracture
What is Capsular Contracture?
Capsular contracture is a complication that occurs after breast implant surgery. When breast implants are inserted, the body naturally forms a layer of scar tissue, called a capsule, around the implant. Sometimes, this capsule can thicken and tighten, squeezing the implant and causing various problems. According to a source from Capsular Contracture Treatment NYC | Capsular Contracture Correction, when this tissue becomes infected, it begins to thicken and tighten, leading to breast pain and firmness.
Grades of Capsular Contracture
There is a grading system for capsular contracture, ranging from grade 1 to grade 4:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Natural - looking and feeling, soft breasts. The breast looks and feels as it usually would. |
| Grade 2 | Slightly firm breast, but the appearance is still natural. |
| Grade 3 | Firm, abnormal appearance and uncomfortable - feeling breast. |
| Grade 4 | Hard, painful, abnormal - looking breast, including nipple irregularities. Grades 3 and 4 typically require surgery. |
Symptoms of Capsular Contracture
- Breast firmness or tightness
- Hard, painful breast
- A change in breast shape
- A change in breast position
- Restricted or uncomfortable range of motion
- The breast is unusually round or ball - shaped
- The breast is unusually high on the chest wall
- The breast is misshapen
Risk Factors and Causes
The exact cause of capsular contracture is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to it:
- Bacterial infection: A thin layer of bacteria, called biofilm, can form inside the breast pocket during the initial breast implant procedure. This bacteria may cause infection, leading to capsular contracture. Dr. Alizadeh takes strict precautions to minimize implant handling before insertion to avoid this, as mentioned in Capsular Contracture Treatment NYC | Capsular Contracture Correction.
- Hematoma and seroma: Blood or fluid accumulation can provide nutrients for bacteria to grow, increasing the risk of biofilm and capsular contracture. Drains can be used to prevent this in some patients.
- Incomplete breast cancer treatment: Inserting breast implants after radiation treatments for breast cancer may increase the risk of capsular contracture.
- Genetic predisposition: A family history of autoimmune diseases or a genetic tendency to form thick scar tissue can increase the risk of capsular contracture.
- Random chance: In many cases, capsular contracture seems to occur randomly and cannot be easily predicted.
New York City Hospitals for Treating Capsular Contracture
Finding the Right Doctor
When dealing with breast prosthesis capsular contracture, finding an experienced and qualified doctor is crucial. In New York City, many doctors specialize in treating this condition. Healthgrades provides lists of doctors in different areas of New York, such as New York, Brooklyn, and Bronx.
Some of the top - rated doctors in New York City for treating capsular contracture include:
| Doctor's Name | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Stephanie Bernik, MD | 4.60 out of 5 stars | 425 W 59th St Lbby 5, New York, NY 10019 |
| Dr. Lauren Cassell, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 114a E 78th St, New York, NY 10075 |
| Dr. Jeffrey Ascherman, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 51 West 51st Street Suite 380, New York, NY 10019 |
| Dr. Clare Hochreiter, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 525 East 68th Street M - 404, New York, NY 10065 |
| Dr. David Otterburn, MD | 5.00 out of 5 stars | 525 East 68th Street Starr 8, New York, NY 10065 |
Top Hospitals for Treatment
Several hospitals in New York City are well - known for their expertise in treating breast prosthesis capsular contracture:
- Mount Sinai Hospital: Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons are highly skilled in breast implant revision surgeries. Their breast implant revision specialists are experts in medical care and plastic surgery, and can correct problems such as capsular contracture, as stated in Breast Implant Revision Surgery NYC | Mount Sinai - New York.
- New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell: This hospital is nationally ranked in multiple adult and pediatric specialties. It has a team of experienced doctors who can handle complex cases of capsular contracture.
- NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital: With a strong reputation in orthopedics and plastic surgery, it also offers high - quality treatment for breast - related complications like capsular contracture.
Treatment Options for Capsular Contracture
Non - Surgical Options
In some early cases, non - surgical methods may be attempted. However, these are often limited in effectiveness for more severe cases of capsular contracture. Gentle breast massage under the doctor's guidance can sometimes help keep the breast tissue pliable and may prevent capsular contracture from worsening.
Surgical Options
For more advanced cases, surgery is usually the main treatment option:
- Removal of a portion of capsule tissue: If the capsular contracture is caught early, a portion of the capsule tissue may be removed. This creates more space in the breast pocket and can correct early - stage capsular contracture, as described in Capsular Contracture Treatment NYC | Capsular Contracture Correction.
- Secondary breast augmentation with a capsulectomy: In more advanced cases, both the capsule tissue and the implant may need to be removed (capsulectomy). If the patient desires, new implants can be placed during the same procedure to maintain breast augmentation.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery after capsular contracture surgery is an important part of the treatment process. After the surgery, patients can expect some pain and swelling, which usually begin to diminish after the first week. Patients will need to wear a surgical bra for a few weeks to help reduce swelling and support the breasts.
Most patients can return to work or their usual activities within a week or two, but they should avoid lifting heavy objects (more than ten pounds) and engaging in strenuous exercise for at least six weeks. It is also normal to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions, which usually fades over time.
Regular follow - up appointments with the doctor are essential to monitor the healing process. The doctor may remove external sutures around 7 - 10 days after the procedure. Although much of the swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, it may take several months before the final results are visible, and the scars will take time to fade.
Preventing Capsular Contracture
While it may not be possible to completely prevent capsular contracture, there are some steps patients can take to reduce the risk:
- Choose the right implant type: Silicone implants have a higher risk of developing capsular contracture compared to saline implants. Smooth - textured implants may have a lower chance of causing capsular contracture.
- Proper implant placement: Placing implants under the muscle tissue in the chest may reduce the risk of capsular contracture. The pectoral muscles can massage the implants during normal movement, helping to keep the scar tissue soft.
- Follow doctor's instructions: Gently massaging the breasts after breast augmentation, as advised by the doctor, can help keep the breast tissue pliable during the healing process.
- Select appropriate implant size: Choosing the right size of implants is crucial. If the implant is too large for the patient's natural breast tissue, the risk of capsular contracture may be higher. For patients with small breasts who want a significant size increase, staged augmentation may be a better option.
Conclusion
Breast prosthesis capsular contracture is a common complication after breast implant surgery, but there are effective treatment options available in New York City. With a range of experienced doctors and high - quality hospitals, patients have access to the best care. Understanding the condition, its symptoms, and the available treatment methods is essential for patients seeking treatment. If you suspect you have capsular contracture or are considering breast implant surgery, it is important to consult with a qualified doctor to discuss your options.
Take the first step towards a solution. Reach out to a recommended doctor or hospital in New York City today to schedule a consultation and regain your comfort and confidence.
